As an emerging solo artist from South Africa, Celeste Swift uses her voice to explore themes that transcend borders. Her debut single, ‘Now That You’re Gone’ (released August 1), is a deeply personal tribute to her late father – and a moving anthem about loss, healing, and resilience.
Produced by acclaimed musician Mark Beling, the track blends emotive storytelling with musical sensitivity. In this conversation, Celeste reflects on how her roots, experiences, and hopes for the future shape her music. We explore her journey through grief, the role of rhythm and community in musical expression, the healing power of creativity, and how artists like her are helping foster a more united and emotionally open generation of voices.
EXPRESSION AFRICA: Your song ‘Now That You’re Gone’ carries a deep emotional message about grief and healing. What inspired you to use your music to process your own loss while also offering solace to others who may be going through something similar?
CELESTE SWIFT: Creating this song became a turning point in my life – something I didn’t realise I needed until I was in the midst of it. It gave me the space to truly face the grief I had been carrying for so long, to sit with it and then slowly begin to let it go. It felt as though a heavy weight I hadn’t known I was still holding finally started to lift. For the first time in years, I can exhale and move forward with a lighter heart. What means the most to me now is the hope that this song might offer comfort to someone else navigating their own pain. If it can remind even one person that they’re not alone in their grief, then it has already achieved more than I ever dared to hope.
Mark Beling, the respected South African musician and producer known for his work in pop and rock, brought his extensive experience to the production of ‘Now That You’re Gone’. Looking ahead, are there any musical styles, influences or traditions you’re excited to explore in future projects or performances?
Working with Mark Beling was an incredible experience. His ability to bring out a song’s soul while preserving its integrity was truly inspiring, and it’s sparked something new in me creatively. I’m eager to explore a broader range of styles – everything from the emotional storytelling of acoustic singer‑songwriters to the depth and soul of indie pop, and even some cinematic or orchestral elements for added drama.
At the same time, I’m keen to incorporate traditional South African sounds and rhythms that reflect my roots, fusing them with contemporary production. There’s something powerful in honouring where you come from while pushing creative boundaries. Ultimately, I want each project to feel authentic to my emotional and artistic state at that moment – whether bold and anthemic or quiet and reflective. I’m excited for the journey ahead and can’t wait to see how my sound evolves.
Rhythm, voice and vulnerability are essential to authentic storytelling. What musical and lyrical choices did you make to ensure ‘Now That You’re Gone’ remained true to your experience while conveying emotional strength and honesty?
From the outset, I wanted every element – musical and lyrical – to reflect the truth of my feelings. This wasn’t just another song; it was a personal tribute and a release. Lyrically, I refused to hold back. I wrote from the rawest place in my heart, addressing the pain, confusion and unspoken emotions surrounding my father’s passing. I kept the words simple, direct and emotionally genuine. Musically, I selected rhythms and harmonies that allowed space for vulnerability: understated verses that build into a chorus with quiet strength. At its core, this song is about finding power through vulnerability, not despite it. I hope that honesty resonates with anyone carrying their own hurt and reminds them that feeling deeply is a sign of real strength.
From iconic figures such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Johnny Clegg to contemporary artists like Burna Boy, Sho Madjozi, Sampa the Great and Spoek Mathambo, many African musicians inspire unity and empowerment. Which artists have shaped your emotional outlook or style, and how do their legacies influence your work?
Several artists have profoundly influenced me. Luke Combs, though not South African, demonstrates a raw, unapologetic honesty in his storytelling that I deeply admire – transforming personal moments into universal experiences. The late Theuns Jordaan left a lasting impact with the emotional depth and simplicity of his voice; his ability to convey profound feeling without excess taught me the power of understated honesty. Pedro Barbosa’s authenticity and raw stage presence inspire me to bring my whole self to every performance. These artists remind me that music should speak to real life and real emotions, encouraging me to sing with purpose and remain grounded in my own truth.
Many young artists dream of global impact. What message do you hope ‘Now That You’re Gone’ sends to young people who might feel unseen or unheard?
If ‘Now That You’re Gone’ could speak directly to anyone feeling unseen, I hope it says: your pain matters, your voice matters, and you are not alone. To anyone navigating hardship, I want you to know that healing is possible, and hope exists even when it seems distant. Music helped me find my voice when I felt voiceless, and I hope this song can do the same – offering comfort, courage or simply a moment of peace. You are seen, you are heard, and your story is not over.
Many people struggle silently with emotional pain and feel they lack space to express their grief. What message do you hope ‘Now That You’re Gone’ conveys to those who feel unable to speak out?
This song was my way of finally voicing what I’d carried in silence. It gave me permission to feel, to cry, to let go – and, most importantly, to begin healing. If there’s one thing I want listeners to take away, it’s this: you do not have to keep everything inside. Your pain is valid, and your story deserves to be heard. Grief and struggle often hide behind smiles or are pushed down just to get through the day, but that does not make them any less real. I hope this song becomes a safe space, letting people feel seen, even if they’ve never spoken their pain aloud. And I hope it gently reminds them that, however dark it feels, there is always hope and a way forward.
If you could perform at any event or festival, which would you choose, and which songs would you include to represent your journey?
I would love to perform at the Innibos Festival. The energy there – so rich in culture, community and storytelling – feels like the perfect environment for my music. Alongside ‘Now That You’re Gone’, I’d include songs that uplift and connect, spanning different styles to reflect my journey – tracks that inspire reflection, evoke joy and invite everyone to share in the story.
Finally, what gives you hope about the future of music and its power to unite people?
I find hope in music’s timeless ability to transcend boundaries – bringing people together across cultures, generations and experiences. Even as the world changes, music remains one of the few universal languages that speaks to joy, heartbreak, healing and shared humanity. I see more artists brave enough to tell their truths and more listeners open to those stories. There’s a growing recognition that music is not just entertainment – it can be therapy, activism and a lifeline. That belief in music’s deeper power gives me immense hope for the future.
Celeste Swift’s debut single ‘Now That You’re Gone’ is now out on all streaming platforms, along with an inspiring music video. As Expression Africa readers we encourage you to listen and share this uplifting track. Through music, Celeste reminds us that our stories are connected – and that together we can find strength and hope.
Celeste Swift biography
Celeste Swift is a South African singer‑songwriter whose music explores the delicate terrain of loss, healing and renewed hope. Rooted in heartfelt performance, she infuses every note with sincerity and emotional depth.
Her musical journey began in 2009, performing cover songs at weddings, bars and intimate live‑music venues. There, she perfected not only the mechanics of performance but also the art of forging an immediate connection with her audience. After stepping away from the spotlight, she re-emerged in 2023 as the lead vocalist of alternative pop‑rock outfit Headline – a pivotal chapter that reignited her passion for songwriting and reminded her why music is her true vocation.
In 2024, Celeste struck out independently by founding Swift & Co. and launching a solo career. Embracing full creative control, she now crafts songs drawn directly from her own experiences – raw, honest and resonant. Her debut single, ‘Now That You’re Gone’, produced by award‑winning Mark Beling, is available 1 August 2025 – A poignant tribute to her late father, the track confronts grief, celebrates healing and champions open conversations about mental health.
A seasoned live performer, Celeste appears regularly at venues and seasonal festivals, and tailors her set for private occasions – bringing a uniquely personal touch to each event. Inspired by adult‑contemporary and singer‑songwriter traditions, she weaves lyrical narratives that confront difficult emotions while offering solace, inviting listeners into a space of shared vulnerability and reflection.
With her debut single imminent and further original material underway, Celeste Swift is poised to emerge as a compelling new voice in South African music – fearlessly transforming personal pain into universal connection.
